Apparatus for wipe forming metal



Sept. 17, 1957 F. P. MINARCZYK, JR

APPAfiATUS FOR WIPE FORMING METAL Filed y, 1954 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 l T". lllllllllllllllllllll I 11 Sept. 17, 1957 F. P. MINARCZYK, JR 2,805,505

APPARATUS FOR WIPE FORMING METAL 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 6, 1954 INVENTOR. w"

Sept. 17, 1957 MINARCZYK, JR 2,806,505

APPARATUS FOR WIPE FORMING METAL Filed May 6, 1954 s SheetsSheet a *L 32 a I IN VENTOR.

1 TTUFA EVJZ Unite States Patent O APPARATUS FOR WIPE FORMING METAL Frank Peter Minarczyk, Jr., Garfield Heights, Ohio, as-

signor to The Cyril Bath Company, Soion, Ohio, a corporation of Ohio Application May 6, 1954, Serial No. 427,962 I 3 Claims. (Cl. 153-40) This invention relates to a method of wipe-forming metal stock and to wipe-forming machines and combined,

wipe-forming and stretch forming machinessfor practising the method.

More particularly the new and improved method is one in which the stock is formed against a side face die by the application of controlled components of yieldable metal forming pressure to the stock generally laterally and endwise of the die concurrently while the intensities of the two components are controlled independently of each other.

The new and improved wipe forming machine is one in which a side face die, having its forming face contoured for intercepting components of forming pressure applied thereto laterally of the die and endwise of the die, concurrently, is made to cooperate with a wipe forming shoe which, concurrently with the relative movement of the wipe forming shoe lengthwise of the side face of the die, is urged toward the die laterally of the die under yield-. able metal forming pressure by a main fluid-pressureoperated device and concurrently is urged toward the die endwise of the die under yieldable metal forming pressure by an auxiliary fluid pressure operated device which is controlled independently of the main fluid-pressureoperated device. I

Heretofore in the forming of stock with wipe forming machines considerable difficulty has been encountered in wipeforming lengths of stock of a type in which the cross section has components extending endwise of the die combined with one or more flanges or components of surface extending generally transversely or laterally of the die and also in wipe forming lengths of stock of a type in which the cross section is generally rectangular and slopes in its entirety at an angle to the axis of the die. In all such instances the stock is exposed concurrently to components of forming pressure directed laterally of the die and endwise of the die, respectively.

In forming of such lengths of stock by wipe forming, or by combined wipe and stretch forming, some difliculty has been encountered in holding the flanges or transverse surface components to proper shape and in preventing them from wrinkling. The problems are complicated by variations in stock thickness.

For example, overthickness of the stock often causes jamming of the flanges between the flange engaging faces of the wipe shoe and die sometimes accompanied by excessive resultant stretching of other unjammed portions of the stock. Under-thickness of the stock often results in undue thinning of the flanges or in wrinkling if they go into compression during forming.

Attempts to solve these problems by-using a wiping shoe ,having a fixed wiping face shaped to fit the cross section of the stock have resulted in the production of indeterminable and uncontractable pressures between the wiping shoe and the flanges or transverse surface components due to the variations in thickness of the flange metal, these pressures ranging from zero pounds per On the other hand, if the shoe is made with sections which are arranged so that the lips or portions which extend transversely of the die and engage and form the flanges or transverse surface components can be moved relatively toward and away from each other under spring pressure, effective results cannot be obtained as the proper pressure required for instantaneously changing temporary conditions cannot readily be obtained by springs. Such pressure as is obtained by springs varies greatly with the limited travel of the lips toward and away from each other and cannot be varied so as to maintain the optimum pressure for the particular stock thickness and degree of bend in the flanges.

All of these difficulties can be overcome readily and proper formation of the flanges and transverse surface components obtained by the present method and apparatus.

.For purposes of illustration, the machine will be described herein as applied to the somewhat complicated problem of concurrently wipe forming and stretch forming an elongated strip of stock of channel shape cross section so as to bend it transversely of its length or generally flat-wise with its marginal flanges disposed so that the channel is open toward the axis about which it is bent, and concurrently to bend the flanges at an acute angle to the main body of the strip, its application to forming other shapes of stock being readily apparent from the illustrative example.

In accordance with the present invention, the wiping shoe and associatedstructure are constructed and arranged so that the shoe is urged yieldably laterally of the die toward the side face of the die under yielding fluid pressure which is controlled by an operator and the flange engaging portions of the shoe are urged generally endwise of the die against the flanges under yielding fluid pressure which is independently controlled by the operator. Thus the stock on the die is subjected to two components of yieldable forming force or pressure angularly directed relative to each other, one being generally laterally of the die and one endwise or generally axially of the die, each of these applied forces being controlled independently of the other and in accordance with the judgment of the operator.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent from the following description wherein reference is made to the drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a top plan view of the combined wipe form ing' and stretch forming machine with the structure of the present invention incorporated, but omitting the valves and conduits shown in Fig. 2;

Figure 2 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation of the table, die, and wipe forming mechanism of the machine illustrated in Figure 1, showing the relation of the elements of the present invention thereto;

Figure 3 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevation similar to Figure 2 showing in greater detail the elements of the present invention, including the wiping shoe and expansible side face die, and their relation to the combined wipe forming and stretch forming machine;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary top plan view of the structure illustrated in Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a modified form of wiping shoe used in the present invention, as viewed to- Ward the wiping face; and

Patented Sept. 17, 1957 Such a shoe, being.

Figures 6 through 14, respectively, are diagrammatic illustrations showing various applications of the present invention.

For purposes of illustration, the present invention is shown as incorporated in a combined wipe forming and stretch forming machine of the general character described in United States Letters Patent No. 2,514,830, issued July 11, 1950, to Cyril J. Bath and of the particular type described in the copending application of Dolney and Hein, Serial No. 368,876, filed July 20, 1953.

It is to be understood that the invention is applicable not only to wipe forming alone but also to combined wipe and stretch forming. In the following description, however, the wipe forming features only of the machine will be referred to in connection with the present invention, the use of the stretch forming in connection with the wipe forming being readily apparent from the above identified patent and application.

Referring to the drawings, the machine as described in the above pending application comprises essentially a die support for supporting a side face die, a wipe forming cylinder and piston assemblage, and a stretch forming piston and cylinder assemblage, the assemblages being rotative relative to the side face die.

In its most convenient form, the machine may comprise a frame on which is mounted a power driven turntable 1 which supports the side face die 2. A stretch forming piston and cylinder assemblage 3, including a cylinder 4 and piston having a rod 5, is mounted on the frame for swivelling about an axis 6 which preferably is parallel to the rotative axis of the turntable 1. Also mounted on the frame in angularly disposed relation about the axis of the table 1 from the stretch forming piston and cylinder assemblage 3 is a wipe forming piston and cylinder assemblage 7, including a cylinder 8, a piston having a rod 9, and a suitable guided carrier 10 for the wipe forming shoe. The wipe forming assemblage is arranged so that a wipe forming shoe on the carrier 10 can be urged laterally of the die 2 toward and against a length of stock lying against the side face of the die 2 by yieldable fluid pressure applied by the assemblage 7.

In accordance with the present invention, a suitable wipe forming shoe housing 11 is mounted on the carrier 10 for free vertical floating movement, though for some applications it may be arranged to be moved vertically or locked hydraulically in selected vertical positions by a power applying piston and cylinder assemblage 12, as disclosed in the above identified copending application of Dolney and Hein or may be arranged to be secured in vertically adjusted positions, as more fully set forth in the above identified patent of Cyril J. Bath.

The die 2, as hereinbefore mentioned, is a side face die against which are to be formed lengths of stock such as indicated at S, this stock having a main body B, an upper transverse surface component or flange U, and a lower flange L. In the form illustrated, the stock is to be formed with the flanges U and L extending from the body B generally toward the axis about which the stock is to be bent. Furthermore, in order to illustrate the various problems presented, the length of stock is one in which the flanges U and L are to be bent at acute angles a and b, respectively, to the main body B.

For this latter purpose, the die 2 is made expansible endwise. To provide for such expansibility, the die 2 comprises an upper portion 2a and a lower portion 2b between which is operatively disposed a wedge 2c which is movable laterally or transversely of the die 2 for expanding and contracting the die endwise. For moving the wedge 2c laterally, a slide rod Ed is connected at one end to the wedge and at the other end to a link 2e. The link 2e, in turn, is connected to one end 2f of a rock lever 2g. The end 2 of the lever and link 2e are arranged to move from one side to the other of dead center so as to hold the wedge in die expanding position against components of force exerted on the wedge by the die portions 2a and 2b. In Fig. 2, the lever 2g has swung clockwise sufliciently so that the end 2f has passed beyond dead center and is holding the Wedge in die expanding position. This arrangement permits the die 2 to be expanded and contracted to the required extent while affording a solid resistance to the endwise compression in all expanded and contracted conditions. It also permits collapse of the die for removal of the overhanging flanges U and L.

Mounted in the housing 11 is a wiping shoe 13 which for forming a piece of stock such as the stock S heretofore described, comprises an upper portion 13a and a lower portion 13b. The shoe 13 is mounted between the upper and lower jaws of the shoe housing 11, the upper shoe portion 13a being mounted in the shoe housing 11 for guided vertical movement relative to the housing and the lower portion 13b being fixedly secured to the lower jaw of the housing 11. The upper shoe portion 13a has a forming surface which engages the outer or upper surface of the upper flange U and has a forming surface which engages the outer side face of the main body B of the stock. The lower shoe portion 13b has a forming surface which engages the outer or lower face of the lower flange L.

The lateral or transverse component of force or yieldable pressure for applying the shoe 13 laterally of the die 2 is provided by the main piston and cylinder assemblage 7 through the medium of the carrier 10 and shoe housing 11.

In order to apply the component of force generally endwise of the die and thereby against the flat outer faces of the transverse surface components or flanges L and U of the stock, an auxiliary power applying piston and cylinder assemblage 14 is provided. The assemblage 14 includes a cylinder 15 mounted on the shoe housing 11 and a piston having a rod 16, the piston rod 16 operating through a suitable bore in the upper portion of the housing 11 and being connected at its lower end to the upper portion 13a of the shoe 13. Preferably limited clearance, as indicated at 17, is provided between the upper end of the upper portion 13a of the shoe and the upper jaw of the housing 11, this permitting ample space for expansion of the shoe for compensating for various thicknesses in metal stock. Also, along with the contraction of the die, the clearance at 17 facilitates removal of the shoe from the stock when the flanges L and U are inturned at an acute angle to the body B, as illustrated.

With the structure described, the carrier 11 can float vertically and consequently, since the cylinder 15 and shoe portion 13b are carried by the carrier 11 and the shoe portion 13a is movable with the piston, the shoe portions 13a and 13]; can be moved relatively toward each other into self-adjusting clamping relation to the flanges U and L when fluid pressure is admitted to the cylinder 15 at the back or upper side of its piston.

The assemblage 7 is connected to a suitable source of fluid pressure through any of the well known types of control valves such as the two way reversible valve 18, shown diagrammatically. The assemblage 14 may be connected to the same or a different source of fluid pressure through a reversible control valve 19 different from, and operable independently of the valve 18. Thus the pressure applied by the assemblages 7 and 14 can be varied independently. Both the assemblage 7 and the auxiliary assemblage 14 are reversible double acting.

In order to form a piece of stock S, such as illustrated, one end of the stock S is' secured in fixed relation to the side face die as described in the above entitled patent and, if stretch forming concurrently with wipe forming is to be performed, the other end of the stock is connected to the piston rod 5 of the stretch forming assemblage 3 and placed under proper stretch forming tension thereby, the die 2 having been expanded properly within the inturned flanges U and L if the same are already partially or fully inturned at an acute angle. While thus held, the wipe forming shoe 13 is applied by oper ation of the piston and cylinder assemblage 7 until it is lightly in contact with the stock and the portions 13a and 13b are separated vertically. Pressure fluid is then supplied to the assemblage 14 to exert components of force on the flanges U and L in a direction generally endwise of the die and relatively toward each other, these components being suficient to maintain the flanges free from wrinkling while bending them, or if already bent maintaining them, under the proper wipe forming pressure. Wipe forming pressure is concurrently applied to the body B by means of the assemblage 7. Thereupon the table 1 is rotated to rotate the die 2, thus causing relative movement of the shoe 13 and die 2 peripherally of the die and performing the required wipe forming or concurrent wipe forming and stretch forming operations. The flanges U and L maybe inturned at the angle a and b before wipe forming, or may be so inturned by the shoe B during wipe forming.

If it happens that the forming face of the die 2 is spiral or the level of its forming face above the table varies at different positions peripherally of the die, the entire wiping shoe housing 11 can 'be raised and lowered by the assemblage 12 as required, and locked if desired, in any raised or lowered position, as described in the above identified application.

If desired, the wipe shoe instead of being divided at the juncture of its lower flange engaging portion 13b and body engaging portion, may be divided, as indicated in Figure 5, in which a modified form of the shoe is illustrated as designated at 20. In this form, the upper portion 26a and the lower portion 20b each includes not only its flange engaging portion but also a portion of the face which engages the body B of the stock, this latter face portion being divided on a bias 21 so as to assure that every part of the body B of the stock is wipe formed.

Referring next to Figure 6, there is shown a piece of stock 24 of channel shaped cross section which is to 'be formedabout a side face die 24a with the flanges turned toward the rotative axis of the die. In this form, a wipe shoe 25, generally such as the shoe 13 above described, is used. The shoe 25 differs from the shoe 13 in that the flange engaging portions of the shoe 25 are parallel to each other and parts of the forming face which engage the body or web of the stock 24 in Fig. 6 are on the upper and lower portions, respectively, of the shoe 25, so that each portion of the shoe 25 has a flange engaging portion and a web engaging portion. The transverse component 26 of forming pressure is applied transversely of the die by the assemblage 7 and the endwise components 27 and 28 of forming force are applied by the auxiliary assemblage 14.

In Figure 7, the piece of stock 29 to be formed is of L-shaped cross section with the flange disposed toward the rotative axis of the side face die 30. For forming this type of stock, only the upper portion of the shoe, such as the upper portion 13a of the shoe, is utilized. This portion, as indicated at 31 in Figure 7, is urged laterally of the die by a lateral component of pressure 32 again applied, as are the lateral components in all cases hereinafter described, by the piston and cylinder assemblage 7. The component generally endwise of the die, indicated at 33, is applied to the shoe portion by the assemblage 12, the assemblage 14 being hydraulically locked or the shoe 13 being permitted to bear against the upper jaw of the carrier 11.

In Figure 8, a piece of stock 34 of the cross section illustrated therein is likewise formed by the upper portion only of the shoe, indicated at 35, the transverse component and vertical components of forming force being applied as indicated by the arrows by the assemblages 7 and 12, respectively.

In Figure 9 a length of stock 36 of channel shape cross section is to be bent with both of its body portions facing toward, and diverging toward, the center of the side face die. In this instance, the entire shoe, including the upper portion 37 and lower portion 38 may be used, the

endwise components being directed toward each other by the assemblage 14.

In Figure 10, a rectangular cross section is shown as being formed by bending into general frusto-conical' In order to maintain it in proper position and shape. apply the proper pressures, two components of pressure must be applied. In such a case, the upper portion only of a shoe such as shoe 13 is used, this portion being designated in Figure 10 at 40. The endwise components of force as applied thereto is indicated by the arrows by the assemblage 12.

It is to be understood, of course, in all instances, that the shape of the operating faces of the portions of the shoe will be determined by the cross sectional face of the piece to be formed.

In Figure 11 a piece of stock 41 of arcuate cross section is to be formed with the piece concave toward the axis of rotation toward the die. A stock of this cross section has surface components disposed endwise of the die and transversely of the die. In this case, both portions of the shoe are used, the transverse force being applied by the main piston and cylinder assemblage 7 and the vertical components being applied toward each other by the assemblage 14.

In Figure 12, a piece of curvilinear cross section is to i sections, respectively, as in Figures 6 and 9, respectively,

are to be formed but with the flanges facing in the opposite directions. In such instances, the shoe portions must be moved relatively apart from each other by the assemblage 14 rather than toward each other, to effect a proper forming of the flanges. Thus, in Figure 13, the shoe elements 44 are moved apart vertically and in Figure 14, the shoe elements 45 are moved apart vertically, in each instance by the assemblage 14, the transverse component of force being applied, as heretofore mentioned, by the main piston and cylinder assemblage 7.

It will be apparent from the foregoing description that with stockof any cross section which in its application to the side face die requires components of pressure lateral- 1y of the die and endwise of the die concurrently and which must be intercepted by the die for forming the stock, the present machines will operate satisfactorily both when the endwise components force of pressure must be applied generally away from each other, as in Figures 12 and through 14, or toward each other as in Figures 6, 9 and 11, or in which only one vertical component is required as in Figures 7, 8 and 10.

Furthermore, it is to be noted that in such cases as illustrated in Figures 6, 9, l1 and 12 through 14, all of the operations can be obtained with a single auxiliary piston and cylinder assemblage such as 14 if the shoe housing 11 is free to float vertically on its carrier 10 for in all such instances, the vertical components applied by the two shoe portions are confined entirely within the housing 11 and do not move the housing vertically.

While I have described a preferred embodiment of my invention and a number of modifications for meeting various conditions, it is apparent that changes may be made in the structure thereof without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

In all instances, the apparatus is self adjusting to variations in stock thickness, die machining and wear, and the like.

Generally it will be found that in determining the endwise components of pressure, it should be noted that too much endwise pressure tends to wrinkle the web or body of the stock and results in jamming of the stocktin the dies whereas too little endwise pressure results in wrinkling of the flanges or transverse surface components. Usually, on 20 gauge steel stock, the lateral component of forming pressure applied may be 11,000 pounds per square inch Whereas the endwise component applied may be from 300 to 400 pounds per square inch, though the latter varies considerably depending on the final shape desired in the stock. Thus, the shoe is not primarily for relief of components of pressure or reactive forces but for the application to the stock of positive formingpressure components of the proper intensity for wipe forming.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. Ina wipe forming machine, a side face die having a peripherally extending forming face with portions which, at the same locations peripherally of the die, are arranged so that one portion faces at least partially away from one end of the die and the other portion faces at least partially away from the other end of the die, a wipe shoe carrier, a wipe shoe carried by the carrier and having a wiping face with portions parallel to and coopera'ble with the die face portions, respectively, said shoe face portions being on different portions of the shoe, the shoe portions being movable relative to each other and to the die in a direction generally endwise of said die, main fluid pressure operated means for yieldably urging the carrier laterally of the die toward the periphery of the die under metal forming pressure for applying the shoe to the die face, means for causing relative movement of the shoe and die peripherally of the die, fluid pressure operated auxiliary power means for yieldably urging said shoe portions generally endwise of the die relative to each other under metal forming pressure concurrently with the operation of the main fluid pressure operated means, and control means for controlling the operation of the auxilliary power means independently of the main fluid pressure operated means.

2. In a wipe forming machine, a side face die having a pair of peripherally extending forming faces with portions which, at the same locations peripherally of the die, are arranged so that one portion faces at least partially away from one end of the die and the other portion faces at least partially away from the other end of the die, a wipe shoe carrier, a wipe shoe carried by the carrier and having portions movable in a direction generally endwise of said die relative to each other, and at least one of the shoe portions being movable endwise of the die relative to the die, said shoe portions having thereon wiping face portions, respectively, which are parallel to and cooperable with the die face portions, respectively, main fluid pres sure operated means for yieldably urging the carrier laterally of the die toward the periphery of the die under metal forming pressure for applying the shoe to the die face, means for causing relative movement of the shoe and die peripherally of the die, auxiliary fluid pressure operated auxiliary power means for yieldably urging said shoe portions relative to each other in a direction generally endwise of said die under metal forming pressure, and control means for controlling the operation of the auxiliary power means independently of the main fluid pressure operated means.

3. In a wipe forming machine, a side face die having a peripherally extending forming face with a web-forming portion having its width disposed generally endwise of the die and with flange-forming portions at opposite edges of the web-forming portion, respectively, and at abrupt angles thereto, respectively, a wipe shoe carrier, 21 wipe shoe carried by the carrier and having a wiping face with a web-forming portion and flange-forming portions complementary to the corresponding die face portions, respectively, said shoe having those portions on which its flange-forming portions are provided, respectively, movableendwise of said die relatively toward each other, main fluid pressure operated means for yieldably urging the carrier laterally of the die toward the web-forming face portion of the die for applying the shoe to the die under metal forming pressure, means for causing relative movement of the shoe and die peripherally of the die, auxiliary fluid pressure operated auxiliary power means for yieldably urging said shoe portions relatively toward each other under metal forming pressure, and control means for controlling the operation of the auxiliary power means independently of the main fluid pressure operated means.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS OTHER REFERENCES Production tools bend tubing quickly, July 24,

1950, issue of the American Machinist. 

